7 Unbelievable Anime With Elf Protagonists

Summary

Most anime do not feature elves as protagonists; they usually act as supporting characters.
Some anime portray elves as main characters, showcasing their entertaining stories.
Anime like “Frieren” and “Delicious in Dungeon” depict elves in unique, engaging ways.

Elves are a fundamental aspect of the fantasy genre, renowned for their extended lifespans, magical abilities, and sometimes solitary habits (depending on the story). Given their long lifetimes, they accumulate extensive experience and bear witness to significant historical events, which proves beneficial for storytelling and world development. In anime, they often assume crucial roles or significantly impact the plotline.

Regrettably, it’s quite rare to find anime where elves take on leading roles. Despite their potential and richness as character types, they often end up as sidekicks or love interests for the main hero, underscoring the magical world depicted. Fortunately, there are some fantastic anime that do justice to elves as central figures, demonstrating how engaging their narratives can be.

7. Don’t Hurt Me, My Healer!

A Gag Anime With Dry Humor

MyAnimeList Score: 6.34
Episodes: 12
Aired: 2022
Genres/Themes: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Studio: Jumondo

Adventurers are common figures in fantasy stories, and they often serve as compelling main characters due to their profession leading them on exciting voyages. The duo of Karla and Alvin, however, may seem improbable, with their travels together stemming from the fact that Karla inadvertently cursed Alvin initially. Now, he’s bound to her presence, or else he perishes. Yet, Alvin remains steadfast in his ambition to excel as an adventurer, even if it means pulling Karla along unwillingly.

The humor in some anime and manga like “Don’t Hurt Me, My Healer! ” can be a hit or miss since people’s senses of humor vary greatly. This particular series offers an amusing narrative, but its unique brand of comedy might not resonate with everyone due to its goofy, absurd nature that relies heavily on illogical situations. The plot isn’t extensive, and each episode is self-contained, focusing on a different mini-storyline.

6. Cop Craft

A Police Anime With A Fantasy Twist

In this story, titled “Cop Craft”, an enigmatic portal emerges over the Pacific, enabling fantastical beings such as fairies, monsters, and elves to access our planet. This sudden influx populates the city of San Teresa, bringing along unique crimes involving magic, narcotics, and trafficking. Detective Kei Matoba resides in this bustling metropolis, where he’s assigned to retrieve a missing fairy, assisted by Tilarna Exedilika, a regal elf hailing from the other realm.

In just twelve episodes, the anime titled Cop Craft offers an enjoyable tale that wraps up nicely. The blend of a contemporary metropolis with magical elements is intriguing on its own, yet when combined with a gripping narrative, it becomes a captivating journey. Characters like Kei and Tilarna greatly contribute to this experience, as their contrasting personalities often lead to conflicts but also enable them to collaborate effectively to rescue the missing fairy.

5. In The Land of Leadale

A Simple Video Game Isekai

In a heart-pounding twist of fate, I found myself transported into the realm of my cherished virtual game, Leadale, following an unexpected turn of events. After my character, Keina Kagami, suffered a tragic loss when her life support failed, I miraculously awoke as “Cayna” in this captivating new world. To my surprise, two centuries had passed since my last login, and the landscape was vastly different from my memories. Unshaken by this revelation, I embarked on an exhilarating journey to uncover the secrets of this transformed world, seeking clues about what remains of the beloved universe I once roamed.

In The Land of Leadale stands out among some anime and manga with similar storylines because the protagonist, Cayna, is a High Elf. Her extended lifespan means that 200 years feels insignificant to her, allowing her to visit relatives and old friends as if no time has passed. Remarkably, despite being human, she gets to see the world from an elf’s viewpoint.

4. Otaku Elf

A Shut-in Elf’s Life Hiding On Earth

Reverse isekai stories can be quite entertaining, as they blend fantasy characters with real-world elements. For instance, an elf named Elda was summoned during the Tokugawa shogunate era and has been serving as a local deity for over 400 years. The narrative revolves around Koito Koganei, a 16-year-old girl who takes on the role of Elda’s shrine maiden. Aside from her duties at the shrine, she also attends school. However, Elda has been confined to the shrine for about 60 years and struggles with social anxiety.

In a reverse isekai story, an elf named Elda was summoned during Japan’s Tokugawa shogunate and serves as a local goddess. Koito Koganei, a 16-year-old girl, takes care of Elda while also attending school. But, Elda hasn’t left the shrine in 60 years due to social anxiety issues.

A tale featuring an unconventional elf with a gaming and energy drink addiction might not seem immediately emotional or reminiscent at first glance, but it does contain several heartfelt scenes. It’s every bit as amusing as one would anticipate, given the protagonist’s gaming obsession and Red Bull habit. What makes this story intriguing is that elves are typically depicted in a delicate manner, so it’s refreshing to encounter a whimsical, humorous character like Elda.

3. Welcome To Japan, Ms. Elf!

An Interesting Reverse Isekai

In this captivating anime, I find myself traversing between realities as I sleep. Ordinarily, isekai tales follow a one-way journey, but here’s where it differs! As Kazuhiro Kitase slumbers, he ventures into another world, a realm where he’s rejuvenated with youth and strength, embodying an adventurer. Yet, upon waking, I find myself not alone – my elf companion, Mariebelle, is by my side in my very bed! The enigma of this interdimensional gateway unfolds as we grapple with its secrets. Yet, even amidst this extraordinary journey, we cherish the comforts and wonders of everyday life in Japan.

Hi there, Ms. Elf! Your anime is a delightful blend of excitement and everyday life, masterfully interweaving them by physically separating these realms. Unlike other anime, when they incorporate contemporary gadgets or technology into fantasy lands, these elements seldom visit our world. The most captivating aspect of the series lies in Marie’s experiences in Japan, making it intriguing to explore more of the narrative centered around that.

2. Delicious In Dungeon

A Quirky Culinary Adventure

In the widely-appreciated anime “Delicious in Dungeon,” the classic dungeon exploration storyline is reimagined with a mouthwatering twist. Our heroes – Laois, Chilchuck, and Marcille – find themselves back in the perilous dungeon, searching for their lost comrade Falin, following their defeat at the hands of a dragon. Alas, they’ve spent all their money and are left without any provisions. Luckily, they cross paths with Senshi, a resourceful dwarf who subsists on whatever monsters or plants he manages to discover in the dungeon.

Among various fantasy anime series, Delicious in Dungeon distinguishes itself by centering around an entire party instead of a single protagonist. Within this ensemble, Marcille is a crucial elf member, serving as one of two casters. Notably, she excels in both offensive and utility roles, yet also provides valuable support to the group when needed. Throughout the narrative, Marcille’s humorous moments are plentiful and memorable.

1. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

A Timeless Adventure For The Family

The acclaimed series “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” is celebrated for its captivating storytelling and beautiful animation. The narrative centers around Frieren, an elf who was previously in the group that vanquished the demon king and ended the conflict. After the demise of the hero Himmel, she starts to feel remorseful about taking her extended life for granted and embarks on a voyage to gather new memories. With no specific endpoint, she commences a lengthy journey, cherishing each day as it comes.

Instead of following a linear narrative like many other animes, Frieren adopts an episodic structure to narrate its story, which some viewers might not prefer but provides a realistic portrayal of how characters, particularly Frieren herself, might recall their lives. One aspect that makes this anime exceptional is the deliberate intention behind every element, from pacing to setting, demonstrating a high level of thoughtfulness in its creation.

2025-04-06 23:06